Definition: A benign hyperplasia of bone within the jaws, also known as a dense bony island.
Radiographic Features:
- Location: Can occur anywhere in maxilla or mandible
- Edge:
- Well-defined to well-localized
- Continuous with surrounding bone trabeculae
- Shape:
- Variable
- May be round, ovoid, or irregular
- Internal:
- Radiopaque
- Radiopacity similar to cancellous bone
- Number: Can be single or multiple
Key Diagnostic Sign:
- Localized area of increased bone density within jaw
Clinical Significance:
- Usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally
- No treatment typically required
- Important to differentiate from other radiopaque lesions
Note: Multiple enostoses throughout maxilla and/or mandible may indicate an underlying systemic condition such as Gardner’s Syndrome. In such cases, further evaluation is warranted.